Delta, North Vancouver make plays for proposed casino

The first chips have been laid down in the B.C. Lottery Corp.'s bid to build a casino and entertainment complex in Metro Vancouver, with both Delta and North Vancouver City councils voting to investigate the option.

Kelly Sinoski

Updated: June 29, 2016

A casino south of the Fraser could bring in between $1.5 million and $3 million annually for the host city, while on the North Shore it could reap up to $2.2 million.Stuart Davis / Vancouver Sun

The first chips have been laid down in the B.C. Lottery Corp.’s bid to build a casino and entertainment complex in Metro Vancouver, with both Delta and North Vancouver City councils voting to investigate the option.

The two municipalities are the first to issue expressions of interest for hosting the venue, which would give them a 10 per cent share of all gambling revenues, following a BCLC call-out earlier this month. Local governments and First Nations on the North Shore and south of the Fraser have until July 15 to express an interest. A casino, which would serve about 460,000 adults south of the Fraser, or 150,000 on the North Shore.

Mayors of the Delta and North Vancouver City insist moves to investigate a casino are “non-binding,” and only intended to get more information on what the BCLC is proposing, although Delta has already earmarked a potential site — the 11-acre property housing Town & Country Inn at the intersection of highways 17 A and 99. A staff report noted the owner of the Delta Town & Country Inn has also provided a letter supporting to have the property reviewed as a potential site.

Lois Jackson.NICK PROCAYLO /
PROVINCE

Delta Mayor Lois Jackson noted the site was proposed by staff, who don’t feel a casino would be welcome in the communities of Tsawwassen, Ladner or North Delta.

She added council would also have to hold a public hearing if it decided to move ahead with a casino proposal, which means it could be shot down by residents. A $100-million casino resort proposed for South Surrey was rejected by residents three years ago, following an exhaustive public hearing.

“It’s a long way from happening, it’s pretty preliminary,” Jackson said. “It’s all very iffy, but that would be one location we would consider, if at all. We don’t even know if the lottery corporation would choose Delta. Maybe it will be in the Tsawwassen First Nation, or Surrey.”

BCLC estimates that annual local revenue for a gaming facility south of the Fraser could bring in between $1.5 million and $3 million, but Jackson said her council is more interested in getting a hotel and entertainment complex to help boost tourism.

A report by Chief Administrative Officer George Harvie noted any potential gambling facility in Delta would require “significant additional amenities.” The report also noted there was likely to be interest in a casino from neighbouring communities.

Both Surrey and Tsawwassen First Nation say they are still considering the proposal, although both Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner and Coun. Tom Gill said they don’t believe the city will make a submission.

Gill, who had voted in favour of the 2013 failed casino bid by Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd., said the city plans to review its gaming policy and likely won’t have time to respond before the deadline.

Darrell Mussatto.Wayne Leidenfrost /
PROVINCE PNG

Meanwhile, North Vancouver City council voted 4-3 in favour of investigating the casino proposal, but has yet to designate a potential site, Mayor Darrell Mussatto said. The BCLC estimates a casino on the North Shore would reap between $25 million and $40 million annually, with the host’s share up to $2.2 million.

“We just felt we should find out more about what’s being proposed, and what it would entail and the cost benefits,” Mussatto said.

“It doesn’t commit us to anything but it doesn’t take us out of the running for exploring it further.”

West Vancouver and North Vancouver districts say they won’t seek a casino for their communities, while other contenders include the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, who have yet to express an interest.

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